Q: Some people believe that muharrum is a time for mourning and a ritual like taziya is performed and some people believe that Muharrum is for celebrating and spend lavishly on their family. Are there ahadeeth supporting any of these beliefs? What really should be done for Aashura’?
A: The Hadith explains that Aashura’ was the day where the Bani Israel were delivered from the oppression and tyranny of Firoun and his people. Allah Ta’ala saved Nabi Musa (Alayhis Salaam) and the Bani Israel and drowned Firoun and his armies. Hence on this occasion we are encouraged to fast out of gratitude to Allah Ta’ala for his favour and his grace. Aashura’ has nothing to do with mourning. Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has also explained the virtue of spending on one’s family on this Mubaarak day in the following words:
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم قال من أوسع على عياله و أهله يوم عاشوراء أوسع الله عليه سائر سنته (الترغيب والترهيب 2/ 48)
Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anahu reports that Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, “Whoever spends freely upon his family on the day of Aashura Allah Ta`ala will bless him with abundant sustenance for an entire year.” (At-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb, vol. 2, p. 48)
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)